Celebrating Good Times (C’mon!) | By Ellen Johanson | Photos by Amy Pazan

Retirees for 2013

Alfredo Agtarap • Chester Aumua • John Cahall • Karen Clausel • Dennis Degener • Kevin Dow • Jeanne Harvey Duncan • R. Scott Duncan • Randall Henderson • Keith Hackett • C. Scott Harrison • Ronald Hines • Richard Koch • Craig Parrish • Julia Price • Mark Randall • Wayne Schneider • Michael Smith • Rex Van Beek • Nancy Yount


Hallelujah!

Celebrate good times.

Colorful streamers descending from the ceiling and draping people below.

Tears, music, clapping and more.

These are just some the words and images that describe the Retiree Celebration, a time-honored annual conference tradition.

This year, twenty clergy from the PNW Conference retired from active ministry. As names and appointment histories were read, retirees either walked across the stage to receive certificates or shared short video reflections of their years in ministry. Some reflections inspired laughter – like when the Rev. Dr. Craig Parrish donned “colorful” clothing worn during the 1970s era of his 41 years of service. Or when the Rev. Keith Hackett shared how one of his tenants defined being a faithful Christian as supporting everything that the United Methodist Women do. There were serious moments too. A few tears were shed as people acknowledged the changes ahead and the loss of daily contact with co-workers and partners in ministry.

Just as leadership and God’s Spirit passed from the prophet Elijah to Elisha, our “Elijah” retirees passed the mantle along to our “Elisha” ordinands.

Bishop Grant Hagiya mentioned that the cumulative time of service of our retirees added up to 556 years of ministry. But in truth, ministry is more than a profession or even a lifestyle—it is a lifelong endeavor inspired by the Holy Spirit and committed to by the individual follower of Jesus Christ.

Even though the retirees are transitioning into a different stage of life, some of them will continue part-time ministry as “retired pastors” and are going on to serve new churches! Blessings to all of them as they continue their journeys of faith and yes, as the closing song said, “Celebrate Good Times”.

Ellen Johanson serves as the manager for the Regional Media Center.


The Amen Report

The Amen Report • June 14, 2013
Blessing & Overturning Our Tables • We are Changed: Laity Gathering at #pnwac13 • Rethink Church • Curtis’ Time-Out Corner


The Amen Report

The Amen Report • June 15, 2013
The Change the World Movement at #pnwac13 • Memorial Service ‘hints’ of Heaven • Outrageously Fun & Spiritually Rich: Camping & Retreat Ministries Lunch • Plenary: Not a Room Full of Danas • Curtis’ Time-Out Corner • Social Justice & Holiness: Why I Am a United Methodist


The Amen Report

The Amen Report (featuring Legislative Reports) • Ω
The 2013 Pacific Northwest Annual Conference Sessions • How are you going to bear fruit? And why? • Closing Worship challenges Conference to Reclaim the Name “Disciple” • Get to know Brant • Bishop Hagiya: “The Annual Conference of The Greater Northwest” • Social Media at #pnwac13


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